Treats leukemia. This is an antineoplastic (cancer) medicine.
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nilotinib, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine if you have low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood, or if you have a heart rhythm problem called long QT syndrome.
How to Use This Medicine
- Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take the medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
- Drink extra water to help avoid possible side effects. If you have a dry mouth or feel thirsty, then you need to drink more fluids.
- Swallow the capsule whole with water. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, the capsules can be opened and the contents can be sprinkled in one teaspoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away (within 15 minutes). Do not keep any of the mixture to use later.
- Do not change your dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor.
- This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.
If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, moxifloxacin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin, Avelox®, Biaxin®, Ketek®, Mycobutin®, Priftin®, Rifadin®, or Rimactane®), medicine to treat fungal infections (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, Nizoral®, Sporanox®, or Vfend®), or medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Crixivan®, Fortovase®, Invirase®, Norvir®, Reyataz®, or Viracept®).
- Tell your doctor if you are also using St John's wort, dexamethasone (Decadron®), haloperidol (Haldol®), methadone (Dolophine®), nefazodone (Serzone®), or pimozide (Orap®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine, midazolam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, Dilantin®, Tegretol®, or Versed®), stomach medicine (such as esomeprazole, Nexium®, Prevacid®, or Prilosec®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, Betapace®, Cordarone®, or Tikosyn®), or medicine to treat malaria (such as chloroquine, halofantrine, Aralen®, or Halfan®).
- Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine
- Your unborn baby could be harmed if you use this medicine while you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Tell your doctor if you know that you have high potassium, low calcium, low phosphate, or low sodium levels in your blood. Tell your doctor if you have had a surgery that involves the removal of the entire stomach (total gastrectomy).
- This medicine contains lactose. Tell your doctor if you have problems when taking lactose.
- Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. Some possible symptoms are dizziness, fainting, or a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you or anyone in your family has ever had a heart rhythm problem such as QT prolongation.
- This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
- Call your doctor right away if you have pain in your lower back or side, a change in how much or how often you urinate, rapid weight gain, swelling in your feet or legs, or unusual tiredness or weakness. This medicine may cause a serious type of reaction called tumor lysis syndrome. Your doctor may give you a medicine to help prevent this.
- Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. You will also need to have your heartbeat checked with an ECG test (electrocardiogram).
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Blood in the urine or stool
- Change in how much or how often you urinate
- Confusion, body weakness, and muscle twitching
- Dark-colored urine or pale stools
- Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
- Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
- Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach
- Rapid weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden and severe stomach pain, vomiting, fever
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Joint or muscle pain
- Skin rash or itching